SCU’s 2023 Panetta Institute Congressional Intern
Sean Gallagher '25 represented Santa Clara University for the 2023 cycle of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy Congressional Internship Program.
Sean Gallagher ‘25 spent his fall in Washington D.C. representing Santa Clara University as one of 23 fellows across California selected for the prestigious Panetta Institute for Public Policy’s Congressional Internship Program.
Before serving in the nation’s capital, Sean was put through an intensive two-week policy orientation at the Panetta Institute for Public Policy in CSU Monterey Bay. He had the opportunity to learn directly from former Secretary Leon Panetta ‘60 J.D. ‘63 and a number of his distinguished colleagues on a wide range of issue areas–all with an emphasis on being a bipartisan leader.
In Washington D.C., Sean worked in the House of Representatives for Congressman Lou Correa, who serves the 46th District of California. Sean received firsthand experience in the political process through drafting speeches for the Congressman, staffing the Congressman at press events and hearings, and attending briefings on a wide range of policy issues including Homeland Security and Judiciary.
Additionally, Sean had a front-row seat for the first-ever ousting of a Speaker of the House of Representatives, the replacement and swearing-in of a new California Senator, and the development of multiple international conflicts.
According to Sean, “The Panetta Insitute’s Congressional Internship Program helped cement my interest in public service. I am incredibly grateful to the Secretary and Mrs. Panetta, the Panetta Institute staff, and Santa Clara University for allowing me to take part in this transformational experience. It was an honor to represent Secretary Panetta’s alma mater in the program and I will treasure the lessons I learned at the Institute and on Capitol Hill.”
Sean looks forward to pursuing a career in public service and is currently serving as an intern for Congressman Ro Khanna’s district office in Santa Clara.
Learn more about the Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program.